Trainlink
Martigny, photographed for Wikimedia Commons
Scenic routes

Around Mont Blanc

Geneva · Martigny · Chamonix-Mont-Blanc · Annecy

Timetable-checked:6 trains · 5h 47m on board
4-5 daysSuggested duration
4 stopsIconic cities
AlpineGlaciers & lakes
Lower CO₂Than flying

“Two lakes and the highest mountain in the Alps.”

Suggested
4-5 days
Stops
4
On board
5h 47m

Alpine · Timetable-checked · Lower CO₂ than flying

Overview

A compact Alpine journey across the Swiss-French border, from an international lakeside city to the birthplace of mountaineering and a lake town of canals.

“Lakes, gorges and glaciers, all by rail.”

The route

  1. Geneva, photographed for Wikimedia CommonsGeneva · 1 nightAn international city on the lake.
    Schweizerische Bundesbahnen SBBIR9509:24 → 11:04 · 1h 40mTimetable-checked
    IR95 · Schweizerische Bundesbahnen SBBGenève → Martigny09:24 → 11:04
    1. GenèveDep 09:24
    2. NyonArr 09:38 · Dep 09:39
    3. MorgesArr 09:55 · Dep 09:55
    4. Renens VDArr 10:03 · Dep 10:04
    5. LausanneArr 10:10 · Dep 10:14
    6. VeveyArr 10:28 · Dep 10:30
    7. MontreuxArr 10:36 · Dep 10:37
    8. AigleArr 10:47 · Dep 10:48
    9. MartignyArr 11:04
  2. Martigny, photographed for Wikimedia CommonsMartigny · Day stopRoman ruins and a mountain crossroads.
    R8512:14 → 12:58 · 44mTimetable-checked
    R85 · Transports de Martigny et Régions (mc)Martigny → Le Châtelard-Frontière12:14 → 12:58
    1. MartignyDep 12:14
    2. Les FumeauxArr 12:15 · Dep 12:15
    3. Vernayaz MCArr 12:19 · Dep 12:19
    4. SalvanArr 12:29 · Dep 12:29
    5. Les MarécottesArr 12:33 · Dep 12:34
    6. La MédettazArr 12:35 · Dep 12:35
    7. Le TrétienArr 12:38 · Dep 12:39
    8. FinhautArr 12:47 · Dep 12:48
    9. Le Châtelard VSArr 12:53 · Dep 12:53
    10. Le Châtelard-FrontièreArr 12:58

    Change at Le Châtelard-Frontière · 7m connection

    SNCF VoyageursP5213:05 → 13:37 · 32mTimetable-checked
    P52 · SNCF VoyageursLe Châtelard Frontière → Les Praz de Chamonix13:05 → 13:37
    1. Le Châtelard FrontièreDep 13:05
    2. VallorcineArr 13:12 · Dep 13:12
    3. Le BuetArr 13:15 · Dep 13:15
    4. ArgentièreArr 13:27 · Dep 13:27
    5. Les Iles GrassonetArr 13:30 · Dep 13:30
    6. Les TinesArr 13:34 · Dep 13:34
    7. Les Praz de ChamonixArr 13:37
  3. Chamonix-Mont-Blanc · 2 nightsThe birthplace of mountaineering.
    SNCF VoyageursP5210:55 → 11:40 · 45mTimetable-checked
    P52 · SNCF VoyageursChamonix-Mont-Blanc → Saint-Gervais-les-Bains10:55 → 11:40
    1. Chamonix-Mont-BlancDep 10:55
    2. Chamonix Aiguille du MidiArr 10:56 · Dep 10:57
    3. Les MoussouxArr 10:59 · Dep 10:59
    4. Les PélerinsArr 11:00 · Dep 11:01
    5. Les BossonsArr 11:03 · Dep 11:05
    6. TaconnazArr 11:08 · Dep 11:08
    7. Les HouchesArr 11:12 · Dep 11:14
    8. Viaduc sainte-MarieArr 11:16 · Dep 11:16
    9. VaudagneArr 11:20 · Dep 11:20
    10. ServozArr 11:24 · Dep 11:25
    11. CheddeArr 11:33 · Dep 11:35
    12. Saint-Gervais-les-BainsArr 11:40

    Change at Saint-Gervais-les-Bains · 8m connection

    SNCF VoyageursC4311:48 → 13:19 · 1h 31mTimetable-checked
    C43 · SNCF VoyageursSaint-Gervais-les-Bains-Le Fayet → La Roche-sur-Foron11:48 → 13:19
    1. Saint-Gervais-les-Bains-Le FayetDep 11:48
    2. Sallanches - Combloux - MegèveArr 12:04 · Dep 12:04
    3. ClusesArr 12:30 · Dep 12:30
    4. BonnevilleArr 12:57 · Dep 12:57
    5. La Roche-sur-ForonArr 13:19

    Change at La Roche-sur-Foron · 36m connection

    SNCF VoyageursL213:55 → 14:30 · 35mTimetable-checked
    L2 · SNCF VoyageursLa Roche-sur-Foron → Annecy13:55 → 14:30
    1. La Roche-sur-ForonDep 13:55
    2. AnnecyArr 14:30
  4. Annecy, photographed for Wikimedia CommonsAnnecy · 1 nightCanals and a clear mountain lake.

Timetable-checked on 3 October 2026 for travel on 2026-10-04 · Data: SBB / opentransportdata.swiss, SNCF, via transport.data.gouv.fr

Suggested tickets

Suggestions only. Trainlink doesn't sell tickets: check prices, coverage and reservation rules with the seller.

The experience

View by
Geneva, photographed for Wikimedia Commons Geneva - The city of peaceGeneva
Stay 1 night in GenevaBooking.com

The Protestant Rome

In the sixteenth century John Calvin made Geneva a centre of the Reformation. The Reformation Wall in the Parc des Bastions shows its leaders in stone. The old town climbs a hill to St Peter's Cathedral.

The international city

Geneva is home to the United Nations in Europe and the Red Cross. On the lake, the Jet d'Eau fountain sends water high into the air. CERN, the physics laboratory, runs free exhibitions on the edge of the city.

Fondue and longeoleFood

Cheese fondue is a winter favourite in the old town. Longeole is a local pork sausage flavoured with fennel.

The EscaladeTraditions

Every December Geneva celebrates the Escalade, the night in 1602 when the city fought off an attack. People parade in historic costume and break chocolate cauldrons.

Geneva → Martigny09:16 → 11:172h 1mdirectTimetable-checked

Along Lake Geneva

The line follows the northern shore of the lake past Lausanne and the terraced vineyards of Lavaux. After Montreux and Chillon Castle it enters the Rhône valley. The valley narrows between high mountains toward Martigny.

Martigny, photographed for Wikimedia Commons Martigny - The crossroads townMartigny

Roman Martigny

Martigny was a Roman town on the road over the Great St Bernard Pass. Its Roman amphitheatre still stands on the edge of town. The Fondation Pierre Gianadda holds art exhibitions next to Roman ruins, with a sculpture park outside.

Saint Bernard dogs

Martigny has a museum about the famous Saint Bernard rescue dogs of the pass. You can meet the dogs there.

Martigny → Chamonix-Mont-Blanc12:03 → 13:401h 37m1 changeTimetable-checked

Up the Trient gorge

The narrow-gauge line climbs steeply out of the Rhône valley on rack sections. It clings to the side of the Trient gorge through Salvan and Finhaut, high above the river. After the border at Le Châtelard it descends to Vallorcine and the Chamonix valley.

Chamonix-Mont-Blanc - Below Mont BlancChamonix-Mont-Blanc
Stay 2 nights in Chamonix-Mont-BlancBooking.com

Birthplace of alpinism

Mont Blanc was first climbed from Chamonix in 1786, which started the sport of mountaineering. In 1924 the town hosted the first Winter Olympic Games. A statue in the town centre shows the first climbers pointing to the summit.

Glaciers and summits

The Aiguille du Midi cable car rises to a viewing platform close to Mont Blanc's summit. The Montenvers rack railway climbs to the Mer de Glace, the largest glacier in France. Walking trails cross the Aiguilles Rouges opposite the Mont Blanc range.

Savoyard cookingFood

Try tartiflette, baked potatoes with reblochon cheese and bacon. Raclette and fondue are also local favourites.

Ultra-trail weekTraditions

Every late August runners from around the world gather for a race around the whole Mont Blanc range. The town fills with spectators cheering day and night.

Chamonix-Mont-Blanc → Annecy10:30 → 14:454h 15m2 changesTimetable-checked

Down the Arve valley

The line runs down the Arve valley to Saint-Gervais, crossing gorges on high viaducts. From there you change for a line that follows the valley past La Roche-sur-Foron. The mountains soften into green hills before Annecy.

Annecy, photographed for Wikimedia Commons Annecy - The Venice of the AlpsAnnecy
Stay 1 night in AnnecyBooking.com

Canals and old town

Annecy's old town is crossed by canals lined with flowers and colourful houses. The Palais de l'Isle, a former prison, sits on an island in the canal. The château above the town houses a museum.

The lake

Lake Annecy is known for its clear blue water, fed by mountain streams. A cycle path runs along the western shore, and boats tour the lake. The mountains rise straight from the water.

Lake fish and cheeseFood

Try féra, a whitefish from the lake, or a dish with reblochon cheese. Local markets sell Savoyard cheeses and sausages.

Lake festival and animationTraditions

Every June the town hosts a major international animated film festival. In August the Fête du Lac lights the lake with fireworks.

Practical info

Booking

Trainlink doesn't sell tickets. Check each leg with the operator or a retailer before you travel.

Changing trains

The mountain line changes trains at the border, and you change again at Saint-Gervais for Annecy.

Mountain lifts

Cable cars in Chamonix are sold separately and can close in bad weather.

Best time to travel

June to September for high walks and clear views; winter for skiing and snowy valleys.

Trainlink plans journeys; operators and retailers sell the tickets.